“Mamá, Papá, this is for you.” I hand them the painting and remove the cloth covering.
“Oh, Isaac.” Mamá covers her mouth with a gasp. Tears fill her eyes.
My father holds up the canvas, taking in all the details. I painted our family home with the five of us outside the door, a moment from our younger years frozen in time. The expressions on each face reflect our unique personalities, something I struggled for weeks to capture.
Papá pats my back, saying nothing and blinking as if he’s holding back a tear or two.
“I spent weeks getting it just right and wishing it were better,” I say to them, then turn to the crowd. “But knowing my parents would love it regardless of its imperfections. Just as they love my sisters and me. As they love each other.”
Excitement courses through my veins, an energy that can’t be contained. I tap one finger against the front pocket of my jeans.
Cora presses her lips together, her gaze never wavering from mine. Next to her David plays on his iPad. The way she cares for him, accepts him, and advocates for him as if he were her own touches my heart in a profound way. She’s only a few yards away but it’s too far.
“They taught me how to be a parent.” I take a few steps toward Cora. “Showed me the blessings a lifetime of commitment yields.” I reach into my pocket, abandon the mic, and take a few more steps. “Which is why I know what we have is true.” Dropping to my knee, I hold up the ring Cora’s mom helped me shop for last week. “Cora Bentley, will you spend a lifetime with me?”
She nods before I finish the question, springs off her chair, and wraps her arms around my neck. “Yes. Oh, my God. Yes!”
Cheers fill the yard, whoops, applause, and hollers of joy. We stand, kissing and laughing as I slide the ring on her finger.
I can’t believe I ever imagined a life in which I would only be blessed with one good thing. I look around this space. At David, my parents, my sisters, and Cora’s mom. The friends and family bearing witness to this moment. In my arms is the woman who completes my own family and makes me a better man. The woman who might one day carry our child—a sister or brother for David. The woman I can’t wait to marry—my fiancée; my forever love.
Our future is blessed with an abundance of good things.
Can’t get enough of Isaac and Cora? Click here to join Kacey Shea’s newsletter and receive a free bonus epilogue. You’re going to love a glimpse into their future!
Remember Cora’s friend Trent? Read his and Lexi’s story in Detour, an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers rock star romance available now!
Did you fall in love with Isaac’s family? So did I! Look for more stories in this world coming soon. Join my reader group, Kacey Shea’s Closet Vixens to discuss who’s story you’d like to read next!
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Acknowledgments
Writing and publishing a book takes a village and I am so lucky to have a support system that not only helps make my words shine, but challenges me to be better.
Kerry and Viv, who read my first drafts and encouraged me each step of the way, what would I do without you? Thank you for never letting me give up, especially when the pandemic hit and I struggled to finish this one.
For this book, I cannot give enough thanks to the team of early beta readers who held me accountable in capturing Mexican-American culture and family life in a true and respectful way. Lea, Laura, Ariadna, and Laura—thank you again for your honesty, generosity, and time.
A huge thanks to my editing and proofing team: Brenda for tackling the messiest draft. Erin, Chrissy, and Melissa for catching all the errors that make it through. Laura for cleaning up the final draft and making sure my Spanish is on point. You all rock!
The biggest thank you and socially distanced air hug to Tim Paige and Lessa Lamb for bringing my words to audio! I have to pinch myself because working with such talented narrators feels like a dream come true. Thanks to Craig for mastering the files and making this story sound so good!
To Wander and Andrey for supplying me with another gorgeous cover photo. Lucas is perfect for my Isaac!
Najla, you are a design goddess and complete delight to work with! Thank you for another beautiful cover and for all your help with promotional graphics.
I cannot go without thanking the individuals who help me plan and promote, and survive release week. Michelle and Annette, thank you for another amazing release. Lilliana thank you for your vast advertising knowledge and quick work. Marley, you are my best sounding board and advice giver—thank you.
My family, for putting up with my internal chaos and supporting my writing career. Joe, Abby, JD, and G, I love you.
Finally, a huge thanks to each and every reader, audio listener, blogger, bookstagrammer and book lover that chooses to spend their time with my words. It is an honor and I hope this story provides you with a few hours of escape, love, and light. You are the reason I get to write stories for a living. Thank you.
About the Author
Kacey Shea is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance. She enjoys writing strong and smart heroines, heroes with hearts of gold, and stories that deliver a satisfying, well-earned happily ever after.
When she's not writing you will find her playing Uber to one of her three children, drinking iced tea by the gallon, or planning her next escape from the Arizona heat.
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Also by Kacey Shea
Standalones
The Perfect Comeback
Dirty Dealer
One Good Thing
Firefighters
Caught in the Flames
One Hot Night
Caught in the Lies
Caught in the Chase
Rock Stars
Detour
Derail
Hinder
Replay
Uncovering Love Series
Uncovering Love
Uncovering Desire
Uncovering Hope
Uncovering Forever